Big Daddy ‘O’, Used Blues (Rabadash Records)

Big Daddy ‘O’, Used Blues (Rabadash Records)
As the title implies here, most of these songs have been around the block more than once. But that’s not to say that they’re all worn out. Big Daddy ‘O’—Owen Tufts—has a laid-back, engaging style that works especially well when he plays in minor keys, which he does enjoyably often. Case-in-point is the opener, “Life Is Hard,” a slow blues that grimly reminds us “Life is hard, and then you die.” It’s followed by the telling “Better Off with the Blues,” which underlines to listeners the perils of careless love. Other good choices here are “Soul Fixin’ Man, “Need Your Love So Bad” and the Delbert McClinton stormer “Same Kind of Crazy.” The same can’t be said for “Johnny B. Goode.” There’s nothing wrong with his treatment, but this song has been done to death.

While this is basically a blues album, the arrangements are quite inventive. The accompaniment is sharp and Big Daddy ‘O’’s singing and playing are on target throughout. Check this one out.